Fran Ella Grace
Fran Grace, born on July 26, 1965, in Toledo, Ohio, to Curtis and Loretta Brownlee Grace, is the seventh of eight children. She is a devoted mother to DelMar Christopher and Danielle Pope and a proud grandmother of three. Her musical journey began at the Stateline Church of the Living God, Jewell Dominion, under the leadership of her grandmother, the late Bishop Ella Mae Dupree.
From an early age, Fran demonstrated exceptional versatility as a musician, adapting to any instrumental need within the church band. Proficient in steel guitar, bass, rhythm guitar, and drums, she also lent her vocal talents to the choir alongside her sisters, Angela Grace Russell and Tressa Boles. Her distinct "old school" style, combined with opportunities provided by her brother Del Grace to perform full church services, helped refine her confidence and artistry.
Fran draws inspiration from esteemed musicians, including Bishop Lorenzo Harrison, Ronnie Mozee, Wayne White, Tubby Golden, and her brother Del Ray Grace, who played a significant role in shaping her musical philosophy.
In recognition of her contributions to sacred steel music, she was inducted into the 2019 Queens Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in Toledo, Ohio. Among her mentors, Fran considers her brother Del Grace a model of excellence—embodying selflessness, unwavering confidence, and a commitment to serving God through music.
NEW RELEASE!
Fran E. Grace - "Lady Strings"
Fran E. Grace was born July 26, 1965, in Toledo, Ohio to the union of Curtis Grace and Loretta Brownlee Grace. Fran is the mother of two wonderful children, DelMar Christopher and Danielle Pope.
Fran served as a musician at the Stateline Church of the Living God (Jewell Dominion) under her grandmother, the late Bishop Ella Mae Dupree. She began playing music at the age of nine years old and became an as needed musician. Whatever instrument was missing out of the band she filled in.
Sacred Steel music is one of the few styles of music presently passed down and taught by oral tradition. God blessed her with the gift of playing by ear. Fran is a quiet and humble soul as well as a multi-talented musician playing steel guitar, bass, rhythm guitar, and drums.
Her role models are Bishop Harrison, Ronnie Mozee, Wayne White, Tubby Golden, and her brother Del Ray Grace Sr. Her achievements include her 2017 Live CD recording entitled “See the signs of the judgement,” and the Loretta Boles O’Bryant Sacred Steel Sisterhood Award. Fran is one of the few female steel guitarists to rise out of the sacred steel music tradition and she was inducted into the 2019 Queens Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in Toledo, Ohio.
Track List:
1 God’s been good to me (Instrumental)
2 Sign of the Judgement
3 Let’s Dance (Instrumental)
4 Is it well (Instrumental)
5 God So Loved the World
6 Joyous Praise (Instrumental)
Credits:
Lap Steel - Fran E. Grace
Rhythm Guitar – Jay "Fingertips" Caver
Bass Guitar - Del Grace Jr.
Drums – Chris Pope
Vocals – Tressa Boles
Producer – Del Grace Sr. and Chris Pope
Engineer - Bigfoot Studios
Cover Design – Paris Steward
Photography – Chris Hibbett Photography
FAQS
What is Sacred Steel?
Sacred Steel is an African-American gospel tradition that features the steel guitar in religious services. It originated in Pentecostal churches in the 1930s
Where did Sacred Steel originate?
It developed in the Church of the Living God, particularly in the Keith and Jewell Dominions.
How did Sacred Steel gain popularity?
Sacred Steel gained wider recognition through performances by artists like Robert Randolph, Calvin Cooke, Aubrey Ghent and the Campbell Brothers, who brought the genre to international fame.
God Bless Sacred Steel!
